Coronavirus (COVID-19) update for Nene Park - Monday 27 April

From the start of the COVID-19 outbreak back in March, Nene Park Trust has recognised the importance of keeping the Park open to allow the local community to continue to enjoy our green spaces for exercise and mental health benefits.

The Nene Park team have worked tirelessly to ensure the Park remains a safe place for those who can visit by foot or by bicycle, by implementing the Government’s social distancing guidelines and continuously monitoring visitor behaviour with support from the local police.

Whilst we are thankful for the majority of visitors abiding by the guidelines, there has been increasing reports of irresponsible behaviour in the Park. By ignoring social distancing advice, these negligent visitors are not only putting our staff and themselves at serious risk, they are also spoiling the Park experience for those who carefully adhere to the restrictions, many of whom are vulnerable and elderly.

The Park is open for responsible users on foot or bicycle only, and we urge in the strongest terms the need to strictly follow Government advice on social distancing if you visit. Our car parks remain closed until such a time as clear Government guidance is given on their safe reopening and that this can be managed effectively and safely by the Trust. Please do not drive and park illegally to access Nene Park.

Advice on safe social distancing at Nene Park:

Please stay local and use open spaces near to your home where possible, and do not travel to the Park unnecessarily.

You should only visit alone or with members of your own household. Gatherings of more than two people (excluding those you live with), in parks and other public spaces have been banned, and the police will enforce this.

If a Park area looks busy, consider taking an alternative route. Keep to one side of the footpath so others may pass at a safe distance. If needed, walk on the grass to the side of the path until it is safe to return to the path.

Wait for others to cross our bridges before you do and please do not linger; be considerate of others and try not to touch the handrails.

We strongly urge you to keep dogs on a lead to ensure you can safely keep two metres away from others.

Cyclists to ensure they maintain a two metre distance from pedestrians at all times and keep to a reduced speed in the Park. Cycling is not permitted on the Bluebell Wood boardwalk.

Please be aware that our benches and picnic tables are NOT being sanitised. Picnics and BBQs are not permitted in the Park at this time.

To protect our staff and visitors, the children play areas, the Visitor Centre, Nene Outdoors, the Cafes and all toilet facilities remain closed.

Take hygiene precautions: wash your hands for 20 seconds before and after visiting the Parks and avoid touching your face if you come in to contact with any surfaces.

If you display any symptoms of COVID-19, you should not visit and instead, self-isolate at home.

Matthew Bradbury, Chief Executive at Nene Park Trust, commented: ”Unfortunately, we will be forced to take further closure measures if Government advice continues to be ignored by a persistent minority. However, if we work together, we can ensure our green spaces stay open, allowing the local community to continue to enjoy outdoor space, access to nature and fresh air”.

Read our full list of Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the Park's response to the Coronavirus at this time. These will be further updated if the situation changes.

We continue to thank all our visitors, tenants, staff and volunteers for supporting us through this challenging time.